United States Space Exploration Richard Gordon Apollo 12 Presentation Scroll from La Paz Bolivia

Richard Gordon

Non-Paper Memorabilia

Gordon, Richard. Ceremonial presentation scroll from La Paz, Bolivia, honors the Apollo 12 astronaut for his participation in the second crewed lunar-landing mission and documents the international recognition extended to American astronauts during the Apollo era. Gordon served as command module pilot aboard Apollo 12, launched November 14, 1969, remaining in lunar orbit aboard Yankee Clipper while Charles Conrad Jr. and Alan Bean descended to the Moon. The award provides material evidence of the civic and diplomatic reception of United States spaceflight in Latin America, supporting research into Apollo commemoration, astronaut celebrity, and the international cultural influence of the Space Race.

Presentation scroll honoring Richard F. Gordon Jr. Issuer unidentified. La Paz, Bolivia: undated. Large folio sheepskin document with elaborate ornamental decoration; exact dimensions and the complete text are not supplied. Presented by Bolivian representatives in recognition of Gordon’s space mission, the document records a localized response to Apollo 12 through formal ceremonial language and decorative presentation. Its place of origin is particularly significant because it situates the public commemoration of the lunar program beyond the United States, showing how Gordon’s mission was acknowledged through a tangible diplomatic or civic tribute. The award’s ornate sheepskin format associates the presentation with established traditions of honorary proclamations and official testimonials.

Apollo 12 achieved a precision landing near the earlier Surveyor 3 robotic spacecraft, while Gordon conducted scientific observations and maintained the command module in lunar orbit before reuniting with Conrad and Bean for the return to Earth. Provenance: from Richard Gordon’s personal effects and reportedly sold at a space-memorabilia auction in 1995; the auction house, sale date, and lot number are not identified, and this provenance should therefore be retained as supplied pending documentary confirmation. No specific defects are noted; ornamental elements and sheepskin surface are described as well preserved, very good. Substantial international presentation piece linking Apollo 12 with the civic reception of American space exploration in Bolivia.

Item #2470

Price: $225.00